Consulate of Colombia in Bern

Consulate of Colombia in Bern, Switzerland

Overview

Located in Bern, the political capital of Switzerland, the Consulate of Colombia operates at the heart of Swiss federal decision-making. This strategic position allows it to directly engage with the Swiss government on key bilateral issues, from trade policy under the EFTA-Colombia Free Trade Agreement to diplomatic cooperation on peace initiatives. Situated in a city renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and its measured, diplomatic pace, the consulate serves as a bridge between Colombia's vibrant culture and the historic heart of the Swiss Confederation.
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Visa Services

The consulate is the primary point of contact for Swiss and Liechtenstein nationals, as well as foreign residents, requiring visas for travel to Colombia. This includes processing applications for tourism, business, study, and work visas. The consulate provides detailed guidance on the specific requirements for each visa type, which vary based on the duration and purpose of the stay. All applicants are required to consult the official website for the latest regulations and to schedule a mandatory appointment.
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Consular Services

The consulate offers comprehensive services for Colombian nationals, including passport issuance and renewal, national ID card (Cédula de Ciudadanía) procedures, notarial services such as power of attorney and authentications, civil registration for births, marriages, and deaths, and provides legal assistance and guidance in emergencies.
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Trade & Export Support

Leveraging the EFTA-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, the consulate actively promotes bilateral trade. It focuses on connecting Colombian exporters of high-value agricultural products, such as specialty coffee, exotic fruits, and flowers, with the quality-conscious Swiss market. It also supports the strong investment relationship, which sees major Swiss pharmaceutical and food companies like Roche, Novartis, and Nestlé operating significantly in Colombia.
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Business Support

The consulate provides targeted support for Colombian businesses aiming to navigate the Swiss market, particularly in sectors where Bern has a strong ecosystem, such as med-tech, precision engineering, and sustainable technologies. It facilitates introductions to Swiss import agencies and business networks headquartered in the capital region and assists Swiss investors in understanding the opportunities in Colombia's growing economy.
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Cultural & Educational Programs

The consulate actively brings Colombian culture to the Swiss capital, often collaborating with local Bernese institutions like the University of Bern. It organizes events that create a vibrant dialogue between cultures, such as exhibitions of art inspired by the legacy of Fernando Botero, literary evenings celebrating Gabriel García Márquez, and musical performances that introduce the rhythms of Cumbia and Vallenato to the city’s historic backdrop.
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Appointment Information

All visits to the consulate for consular services require a pre-booked appointment. Appointments must be made through the online scheduling system available on the consulate's official website. It is advisable to book well in advance due to high demand.
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Special Notes

The consulate's work reflects Switzerland's key role as a neutral partner in Colombia's peace process, providing a platform for dialogue and support. For visitors, the consulate is located in the Sulgenbach neighborhood, easily reachable via Bern's highly efficient Bernmobil tram and bus system. After your appointment, consider a short walk to the banks of the iconic Aare river, which loops around the city's Old Town.
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